The Staff and Appointments Committee of Northumberland Council was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, to discuss key senior appointments. The agenda included the appointment of a new Chief Fire Officer and an Executive Director of Resources and Transformation (s151 Officer).

Appointment of Chief Fire Officer

The committee was scheduled to consider the outcome of the selection process for the role of Chief Fire Officer. The report indicated that a preferred candidate had been identified and sought confirmation of this selection. The report also outlined the comprehensive assessment process undertaken, which included psychometric assessments, staff and stakeholder panel sessions, presentations, and structured interviews. The recommended remuneration for the Chief Fire Officer was aligned with the National Joint Council for Brigade Managers of Fire and Rescue Services terms and conditions, with a spot salary at the top of NCC Band 17, amounting to £136,163 per annum, excluding employer's national insurance and pension contributions. The appointment would require referral to full Council due to the salary level, as stipulated by Section 40 of the Localism Act 2011.

Appointment of Executive Director of Resources and Transformation (s151 Officer)

The meeting was also scheduled to review the selection process for the Executive Director of Resources and Transformation, a statutory role also known as the s151 Officer. The report detailed the outcome of the selection process and sought approval for the appointment of the preferred candidate. Similar to the Chief Fire Officer appointment, a rigorous assessment process was undertaken, involving psychometric evaluations, staff and stakeholder panels, and interviews. The proposed remuneration for this role was £165,728 per annum, excluding employer's national insurance and pension contributions. The report also addressed interim arrangements, proposing that Alison Elsdon, the current Director of Finance and Procurement and Deputy s151 Officer, would act up in the role prior to the preferred candidate's start date. This acting-up role would attract a temporary salary uplift to the value of the substantive role and an increase in hours. The committee was also asked to delegate the appointment of an interim Deputy s151 Officer to backfill Mrs Elsdon's position during this period. This appointment would also require referral to full Council due to the statutory responsibilities of the role.

The committee was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 January 2026 and to address any declarations of interest from members. The agenda also included a note regarding the date of the next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, 11 March 2026. A portion of the meeting was designated for private business, where press and public would be excluded due to the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to individuals.